Vanishing Veneer: Why Your Dental Veneer Fell Off and What to do About It

Has your dental veneer ever fallen off? It’s not a common occurrence, but it can be stressful when it does happen. If you find yourself facing the unexpected situation of a vanished veneer, understanding why it happened and knowing what steps to take is crucial.

If you want to learn more about veneers and what to do if one ever falls off, continue reading. You’ll learn common reasons for dislodged veneers and how to handle the situation step-by-step.

Why Do Veneers Fall Off?

Dental veneers can fall off for various reasons, including:

• Adhesive Failure – If the bonding agent used during the initial placement fails, it can lead to the veneer detaching.
• Trauma or Injury – Accidents or trauma to the face with enough force can cause a veneer to pop off.
• Chewing on Hard Objects – Chewing on pens, ice, or other hard objects can gradually loosen your veneers, or even chip them.
• Tooth Decay – While your veneers can’t get cavities, the teeth they’re attached to can. If left untreated, this can cause the veneer to come off the afflicted tooth.

Should I Reattach My Dental Veneer?

No! If your veneer ever comes off one of your teeth, it’s important that you don’t try to reattach it yourself. Many commercial glues are toxic and won’t hold your veneer in place. Only dental-grade bonding will cement your veneer well enough to withstand chewing and biting while being safe.

What Should I Do Now?

If you’re missing a veneer, you need to take action quickly to get it resolved. Here are some steps to preserve your tooth and get help:

Step 1. Find The Veneer

If it came off while eating, be sure you didn’t chew it up or swallow it. If it fell on the ground, rinse it off with tap water and store it in a small container or plastic bag.

Step 2. Call Your Dentist

After you’ve secured your veneer, it’s time to call your dentist and schedule an appointment. Give them all the details you can about where your veneer is and what you were doing when it happened. This information can help them to prepare to put your veneer back on or repair your tooth.

Step 3. Coat the Tooth

While you’re waiting for your appointment, the thinned tooth the veneer was attached to may be sensitive. To help keep it smooth and safe, you can use dental wax to coat the surface. This will help keep it safe and insulated.

Step 4. Have It Reattached at the Dentist

Once you’re at your dentist’s appointment, your dentist will look over your mouth. If the issue was the bonding agent, they’ll be able to reattach it safely. Otherwise, you may need to have the tooth restored before the veneer is reapplied.

Experiencing a fallen veneer can be disconcerting, but acting quickly and with knowledge can help restore your smile. Remember to contact your dentist as soon as possible and handle your teeth with care, even after reattachment. Taking the right steps will ensure your veneers stay a happy part of your smile for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. John T. Thompson has always had a philosophy of working with his patients as a partner. He knows that cooperation leads to the best results where treatments like dental veneers are concerned. Dr. Thompson earned his dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry and continues to complete many hours of continuing education with his team every year. To schedule a veneer consultation at John T. Thompson, DDS, call (361) 242-3151 or visit the website to explore other services he provides.